What happened in the focus groups. For all of the
focus groups the facilitators arrived in good time
to ensure that the rooms were set up to allow
everyone to sit around a table, and to check
whether the recording equipment was working. It
was also important to ensure that facilitators were
there to welcome invitees when they arrived. On
arrival, the format and purpose of the focus group
was explained to the participants and they were
assured that their comments would not be attributable
to them by name in any reports of the groups.
The lead facilitator created as informal and welcoming
atmosphere as possible.